The Osceola times., 1887-11-05
"BABY'S" HEROISM.
The Noble Self Sacrifice of a
Plucky Boy.

1t was on bright morning early in
June, some years ago, that the prac-
tice ships at the United States Naval
Academy were towed down the river
Severn, from their winter restin q
places, and anchored just outside the
sand-bar, which divides the river prop
er from Chesapeake Bay.
Preparatory to making the regular
summer cruise, the ships must be fitted
with all their running rigging, that is,
the ropes used in the manipulation of
the spars and sails, which were now
slowed away below. lnasmuch as some
of the rigging was worn and needed TO
be replaced. we anticipated very busy
day or two.
The cadets had taken up their quar-
tiers on board the ships only the day
before, bringing their clothing and ef-
tects, books and bedding, from the
quarters in the yard as the acade-
my grounds are callod; but the blue
jackets, or sailors, had been spnt on
board some time previously. so the
ships were in apple-pie order, and
every thing was ready to work.
At six O'Clock IN the morning. after a
long nights rest, "all hands were
called and the hammocks, each with
IT, number in large red or black fig
ure-, rcd for the port and black for the
starbeard watch, were brought on deck,
9pd were slowed in long snowy line
along the rail
Then the cadets rushed forward TO
the wash-room on the berth-deck, and
afterwards arraycd themselves in the
regulation white duck working-suits.
just like n sailor suit, but with iaunty
polo-cap, instead Of the cumbersome
pancakc-shaped head-gear of the "blue-
jackets"
There were three classes Of cadets on
bo'ld-the first, third and fourth, or
''plebesh The first class had been at
the academy three years, and, with the
third class, had already made several
short cruises, but this was the first sea
service Of the 'plebes."
Among these newcomers | noticed,
particularly. a slender-iigured boy OF
certainly not more than fourteen, with
apale face, large blue eyes, and an ex-
pression of almost girlish gentleness
and an 'unsophisticated manner,
which, thought to myself with some
regret, certainly would not last long
among the rough crowd on board.
His name was Charley Beeston, but
his classmates had already christened
nm ''baby," a name which seemed
likely TO stick, as he made no effort tc
throw it off. tried to get acquainted
with him. but he seemed reserved and
shy' and | could get nothing out of hin
but Yes, sir" or "No, sir"
While / was talking to him, the
boa swains silver whistles began tC
sound ON both ships at once, emphasiz
ing the eight bells that struck, and the
call rang out: "All hands rig ship"
Instantly, ms if by magic, the deck oi
our ship became alive with men hasten
ing to their several posts, some scramb
Hhg up the ladders from below, where
they had been smoking morning
PIPE, while the officers took theil
places, the captain stationing himself
on tho quarterback by the wheel, al
though his presence was superlluous,
Tor the executive officer had charge oi
the ship.
Then ensucd one of those scenes Of
systematic confusion and orderly bus
ue' which is never seen of man-of'
war, and which can hardly be imagined
py one who has nos witnessed it,
fancy between two and three hun
ured men fastening in various direc'
lions, each one doing his own allotted
TASK, with which he is perfectly famil'
lar, having done it many times before,
ana all so deftly keeping out of eacl
others way as to awaken profound ad
mlration in the mind of one who does
not know the secret--that all. even the
officers, are under the control of one
mind and each does HE own share. nc
more and M. lcse III.